New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-09-21

Company owed when it got through building As Tor
1882 he did not know that $4,000, 600 was the
amount
Mr. Cohen.-was this for the completion Of roads or
other tho sum would BE- 9s'
mstely received something in Central
assets Yes. there were land grant BONDS also The
books Of the Central Pacific win show the amount
Mr.. Anderson wanted to know how n UGH Mr.
Crocker made all told out Of the Contract Company
whereupon he got this enlightenment ~ made all
could you bet your bottom dollar on that" The
witness thought 1t made no difference through what
channel the land grant bonds reached him, as tho
United States the people were having the benefit OF
the road"
Mr.. Cohen.-And the company fulfilled its contract
M. Crocker expressed the opinion, oabnnd, that
be had not acted director OF the road while inter-
ested IN construction companies. He seemed TO feel
the effects OF his ndisposition that recess was
taken tow minutes earlier than usual After recess
he said that he had seyed the idea stated above
he would like to have 1t stricken from the record He
thought it made no difference IT he had so acted as
DIRECTOR but he wanted TO be right IN the matter
Mr.. Cohen also stated that 1t wOnld be 80 admitted
In the afternoon Mr.. Anderson took up Mr., Crock
ers relations stockholder In coal aud consru .ton
companies. Mr.. Croker said he had been interested
In the Rocky Mountain Coal Company and that 1t
supplied the Central Pacific with coal cheaper than it
alwaye in Central Pacific and be always looked out
for that fret Mr. Anderson wanted to go over parts
OF the San Francisco testimony. Mr.. Croker pro-
tesed with all due respect that IT was not far to
COMPARE his memory with the minutes then he
added warblly:
wish it understood that there is nothing in connco
that would wish to recall It has resulted in good
TO my gSSd va. 1sry Ss mt
Mr. Croker didn't give up twenty years OF my life
for nothing
As to the release from Central Pacific liabilities
granted him. Mr. Croker said genally:
I understood that Huntington getting something
OF that kind aud thought what was good for him was
good for me. don't think voted for 10 myself was
silent about that time
Mr.. Crocker thought that to separate that part of
the Central Pacific between Ogden and Sacramento
subject was large one. H. however, a committee
OF three representing the Government should be ap'
pointed to meet like committee FROM the directors
he thought q careful conclusion might be Reached
Mr.. Anderson dropped into the subject OF vouchers
and wanted to know where he supposed the sums OF
money for which they stood went.
pose. / have never asked where the money went I
don't want to know. have perfect confidence In Gov
toned their acts.
Q. DO YOU know whether any of this money has been
used to influer &c legislation Al do not
LETTERS THAT LOOKED LIKE HIS.
Mr. Anderson showed certain letters to Mr.. Croker
and asked him II hn recognized them Mr. Cohen
objected. The letters Ar. Cohen's inquiry proved
to be the letters alleged to have been written to David
B. Cotton by the witness. Mr.. Croker examined the
letters and that he did not remember them but
they looked very much like his. He could moi
what interest the public had In them, however: as
Angeles"
Mr.. Anderson invited Mr.. Croker to offer any sug.
gestiuns in the inquiry. II were feeling better,
said the witness drily, and had the time think
could make good many suggestions OF value to this
commission"
Mr.. Crocker was asked as the ability Of the Cen
trail Pacific to pay its Indebtedness to-day. "No
ability whatever" was the quick reply: In answer
to Mr.. Pattisons questions plan to dispose OF the
Central Pacific debt, Mr. Crocker thought the best
thing would be to make an arrangement by VII ch the
company could pay SO much year until The DEBT was
paid.
Q.-How many years would you suggcsti A.-Well.
$50 1t makes little difference whether Se Government
now it doesn't know what 10 with it. The first mort
bonds could be extended In tune and thus Tie uept
worked out
C.-Haye you considered the question Of settlement
Al want the whole thing settled and the company 70
60 / tell you We could have made a great deal
more money for the Government but for stock obbing
from members OF Congress.
The Central had built the Southern Pacific because
Tom Scott had the project on foot sDc the Central
did not propose to let anybody else build roan 70
injure it. Mr.. Croker then said he would Ike TO
make little stump speech" This Is what he said
The railroad was built to transport Government
route Yet notwithstanding this this frcgh was sent
around the Horn, across the Isthmus and through
had had the Government freight at the rate as
others. the Government would have got great de'u
more money
In answer to questions he suggested the appoint
ment and the directors to consider plan OF action or
the Interests OF both MIR. Cohcn obJected TO ms
answering whether he knew of money being useu
directly or indirectly to affect lefe!ation' M
cslly no. The road, however, would have been
ruined If it had not fought attacks from all hhe'
Mr. Cohen orvss-examined his client at length.
Mr. Huntington will be q witnets to-day.